Task Force Overview
In an increasingly connected world, the B20 South Africa Digital Transformation Task Force plays a critical role in ensuring that digital technologies become a driver of inclusive growth.
Its ambition is to advocate for policies that ensure accessible digital infrastructure, promote workforce readiness and adaptation, and encourage government investment and strategic frameworks that set the scene for private sector innovation, economic growth, and bridging of the digital divide.
The Task Force is focused on four priority areas:
- Closing Digital Connectivity Gaps:
Expanding affordable, high-quality internet access, especially for under-served communities, ensuring universal connectivity across emerging and developed markets. - Increasing Digital Skills Penetration:
Embedding digital literacy, coding, and internet safety in education and workforce development systems to prepare individuals for the jobs of tomorrow. - Driving Human-Centric AI Governance:
Promoting ethical and globally aligned standards for artificial intelligence that safeguard public trust and support responsible innovation. - Encouraging Inclusive Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI):
Advocating for open, secure, and accessible digital systems that enable individuals and businesses, especially MSMEs and vulnerable groups, to participate fully in the digital economy.
Leadership Overview
Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa
Phuthi
Mahanyele-Dabengwa
Executive Director,
Naspers Limited
Task Force Chair
Bassim Haidar
CEO, BH Holdings Group
Deputy Chair
Avi Lasarow
Special Advisory to the
Task Force Chair
Bassim Haida
CEO, BH Holdings Group
Deputy Chair
Avi Lasarow
Special Advisory to the Task Force Chair
Co-Chairs
Charles Murito
Kate Purchase
Lauren Dreyer
Ling Hai
Lord Karan Bilimoria
Segun Ogunsanya
Shalini Khemka
Shameel Joosub
Sir Mohamed Mansour
Smriti Zubin Irani
Gender Equity, and
Equality
Chair Introduction Video
Hear from Task Force Chair Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa:
As Chair of the Digital Transformation Task Force, Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa highlights the Task Force’s mission to close connectivity gaps, empower citizens with digital skills, and promote ethical digital governance for inclusive growth.
Upcoming Task Force Events
The B20 South Africa Digital Transformation Task Force will be present at the following events:
Final Task Force Recommendations
The Final Paper identifies the digital divide as a critical barrier to growth, with billions still offline and lacking digital skills. Recommendations include expanding inclusive infrastructure, embedding digital and AI education, strengthening ethical governance of emerging technologies, and advancing interoperable digital public infrastructure. These measures aim to ensure that digital transformation drives equity and trust.
Knowledge Partner
Network Partners
